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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Only 6% of surveyed U.S. homeowners and renters said they would accept a mortgage rate in the 7.5% range, according to a John Burns Research and Consulting survey reported by Real Estate News on October 6, 2026. That is a survey finding about respondents’ stated willingness—not a count of all buyers, a measure of current mortgage rates, or proof that rates alone are keeping people out of the market.
What the 6% survey result says—and what it does not
Real Estate News reported that about half of surveyed respondents would find rates from 5% to 5.49% acceptable, while 6% would accept a rate “in the 7.5% range.” The accessible report does not establish that respondents were asked specifically about every rate from 7.5% through 7.99%. It also does not provide the survey’s sample size, field dates, exact question wording, weighting method, or year. Treat the figure as an attributed survey result, not as an independently verified estimate of all U.S. buyers’ views. Real Estate News
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How the survey compares with mortgage rates and housing costs
The survey measures what respondents said they would tolerate. Zillow’s separate market report says mortgage rates ended September 2026 at 7.28%, the highest month-end reading since November 2023. That observed rate is not the survey’s acceptable-rate threshold, and the figures should not be read as if they were the same measure. Zillow
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| Measure | Reported figure | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| Respondents willing to accept a rate in the 7.5% range | 6% | John Burns Research and Consulting survey result reported by Real Estate News; survey year and detailed methodology are not stated in the accessible report. |
| Respondents finding 5% to 5.49% acceptable | About half | Reported survey result; not a market-rate measurement. |
| Mortgage rate at September 2026 month-end | 7.28% | Zillow’s reported market rate; a dated observation, not a personal loan quote. |
| Typical U.S. monthly mortgage payment estimate | $1,922 | Zillow estimate assuming 20% down and excluding taxes and insurance. |
| Typical U.S. rent in September 2026 | $1,932, up 2.7% year over year | Zillow’s typical rent estimate; not a comparison tailored to a particular home or renter. |
| Newly pending sales in September 2026 | Down 8.5% year over year | Zillow’s market indicator; it does not by itself establish why sales changed. |
Why payment comparisons need care
Zillow’s $1,922 mortgage-payment estimate assumes a 20% down payment and excludes taxes and insurance. Its separate affordability estimate includes taxes, maintenance, and insurance, so it is not directly comparable with that payment figure. Neither national estimate predicts an individual household’s costs, which depend on the purchase price, loan terms, location, taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
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What the market indicators can—and cannot—tell buyers
Zillow reported that newly pending sales fell 8.5% year over year in September 2026, while typical rent reached $1,932, up 2.7% year over year. These figures show that buying and renting conditions were both changing, but they do not prove that mortgage rates alone caused the sales decline or the rental trend.
Zillow chief economist Mischa Fisher said, “The for-sale market’s slowdown was predictable given where mortgage rates currently stand, but the continued strength in the rental market is more surprising. Buyers on the margins are finding the monthly savings for renting too good to pass up, even if their long-run goal is still to purchase a home,” Zillow’s September 2026 report. This is an economist’s interpretation of the market, not proof of a single cause.
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How to use the figures when deciding whether to buy
The 6% result describes stated rate tolerance among surveyed homeowners and renters; it cannot tell you whether a purchase fits your budget. For a decision about a specific home, compare the full monthly cost of owning with rent and with your other financial priorities. If considering an offer, evaluate the actual loan terms and costs available to you rather than treating a national rate or payment estimate as a quote.
Real Estate News also quoted Compass chief economist Mike Simonsen: “For buyers willing to pay attention, finding a motivated seller can create bargaining power,” Real Estate News. That observation suggests negotiation may matter for some buyers; it is not a promise of a discount or a prediction about future rates.
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- SPEAKS YOUR LANGUAGE: Keys clearly labeled in residential mortgage finance terms like Loan Amt, Int, Term, Pmt; this industry-standard calculator is super easy to use on all realty financing matters from finding a loan that works for your client to considering trust deeds investments, or finding remaining balances or balloon payments and more
- CONFIDENTLY AND EASILY SOLVE: Clients' financial questions whether they're buyers, sellers, investors or renters. Increase your perceived professionalism as a new agent, experienced broker or seasoned loan officer. Close more home sales and impress your clients with fast, accurate answers to all their real estate finance questions from PITI Payments to IRR, NPV and Cashflows
- DEDICATED BUYER QUALIFYING KEYS: Enter client's income, debt and expenses to pre-qualify them to only show properties they can afford. Include tax, insurance and mortgage insurance then compare loan options and payment solutions to give your client choices before they make an offer to buy
- FIGURE OUT THE RIGHT LOAN: For your client at the press of a button for jumbo, conventional, FHA/VA, or even 80:10:10 or 80:15:5 combo loans; check to see if ARMs or bi-weekly loans, quarterly payments or if interest-only payments are the answer; giving your client more choices; easily perform what if loan or TVM calculations find loan amount, term, interest or PITI or PI payments
- BECOME AN INVALUABLE RESOURCE: To your clients by reducing their confusion and uncertainty; ensuring they are able to make a purchase offer; knowing they can afford the down payment; and determining which is the right loan for them. Date-math for listings and contracts too. Comes with a protective slide cover, quick reference guide, pocket user's guide, and long-life battery
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